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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Describe Alyosha's reaction to Ivan's tale.
(a) He agrees wholeheartedly.
(b) He is bored by the long story.
(c) He wants to know more.
(d) He questions Ivan's poem as absurd.

2. Why did the grand inquisitor change his mind about Jesus teachings?
(a) He began to wonder if they were helpful.
(b) He wanted more power.
(c) He loved freedom of thought.
(d) He thought began to think Jesus.

3. What does the grand inquisitor say the church must do for the people?
(a) Show them the truth.
(b) Seize their conscience.
(c) Teach them about Jesus.
(d) Give them power.

4. What does the inquisitor say people will destroy?
(a) The world.
(b) Seville.
(c) The prisons.
(d) Jesus' temple.

5. What is the result of Jesus refusal to take power in the world?
(a) The church needs to take power.
(b) The world is divided according to faith.
(c) Jesus will be eventually forgotten.
(d) The world has no freedom.

6. Why does the cardinal say the clergy keeps silent about the true nature of their power?
(a) To protect the strong.
(b) Out of love for humanity.
(c) To keep control.
(d) To deceive the weak.

7. Why does Ivan say the inquisitor suffers?
(a) He has no faith in god.
(b) He thinks Jesus' teachings are incorrect.
(c) He believes in god despite his behavior.
(d) The church is deceitful.

8. What does the grand inquisitor think people need in addition to life?
(a) Something to live for.
(b) Jesus and the church.
(c) Freedom to make decisions.
(d) Someone to love.

9. What does the inquisitor say will eventually happen?
(a) People will reject the church.
(b) People will reject the teachings of Jesus.
(c) Everyone will learn the truth about god.
(d) Everyone will become free.

10. Why must the church determine right and wrong for the people, according to the grand inquisitor?
(a) To protect the the church.
(b) To enslave them.
(c) To maintain his authority.
(d) To save them from misery.

11. What does the cardinal think will lead man away from Jesus?
(a) Worrying about the future.
(b) Having physical comfort.
(c) Not having enough bread.
(d) Increased spiritual thinking.

12. Why does the grand inquisitor think man values more than bread?
(a) Someone to worship.
(b) Order.
(c) Freedom.
(d) Love and happiness.

13. How long does the grand inquisitor say it had been since the church followed Jesus' teachings?
(a) 800 years.
(b) Forever.
(c) Since the death of Caesar.
(d) Since the 13th century.

14. What doesn't Alyosha believe?
(a) That the clergy thinks deception is helpful.
(b) That The prisoner in the story is Jesus.
(c) That Ivan means what he says.
(d) That Ivan's story is orginal.

15. Why does the cardinal think people don't want freedom?
(a) They can't understand it.
(b) They hate all decisions.
(c) They are not smart enough.
(d) It too difficult for them.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is similar about Catholics and Masons, according to Ivan?

2. What did the grand inquisitor believe when he was younger?

3. Why does the cardinal say the people would respect Jesus' power if he fed them?

4. What motivates the inquisitor besides a desire for power?

5. Why do Catholics detest Mason's, according to Ivan?

(see the answer keys)

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